The 60-second fabric check for secondhand shopping

2026-09-29 · Margot Ellery

Before you even try something on, spend a minute on these checks:

• Read the label. Wool, linen, cotton and silk usually age better than synthetics.
• Scrunch it. Squeeze a handful for five seconds. If it stays deeply creased, it'll look tired quickly.
• Check the seams. Gently pull either side of a seam. Gaps or pulled threads mean weak construction.
• Look inside. Generous seam allowances mean a tailor can let it out if you need them to.
• Check the shoulders. They're the hardest and most expensive part to alter. If the shoulders don't fit, walk away.

The rest of Margot's routine, including which flaws are easy to fix, is in Thrift Like a Tailor.